Although he mostly stopped using social media during Lent, or at least made a valiant effort to limit his use by deleting apps on his phone, social media sensation Father Mike Schmitz still remains active on social media. We want people to know that we think media has tremendous value.
“How wonderful that we live in a time where we have this tool… in the sense that we can say, ‘Oh my gosh, I can help people I’ll never meet.’ ” [in person]” and a Catholic priest. Ascension Press’ “One Year’s Bible” The podcast host, who began his career in the digital field by recording sermons in 2007, told FOX News Digital.
“That’s a big part of the impetus behind this. There’s something to be said and there’s good news to share,” he added on Thursday after the start of this year’s Lent.
The priest, director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, went on to tell the story of a young woman who rediscovered the Bible as a high school student in the midst of the pandemic.
No, it’s not a church. On TikTok everywhere.
“It was the Bible and People’s Prayers that I came across her For You page on TikTok. And she just…started praying and started reading the Bible because it came up on her TikTok. And [her faith] “She was raised Catholic and said certain prayers and did certain things, sure… but that’s because TikTok said, ‘Okay, you can pray like this. “That’s when I started saying it,” he explained. You can read the Bible like this. This TikTok of hers brings you a message from her Lord… It gave her this strength, it gave her this faith that she never had in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. . ”
“I started praying because TikTok told me,” was the young woman’s message to Father Mike Schmitz.
What is the strangest thing that ever happened that made you believe that God really exists?
She’s not the only one drawing inspiration from social media, as faith-based content continues to flood “For You” pages everywhere.
For example, Gen Z Bible Stories, which many people would say is a slap in the face, is getting a lot of attention for its unique interpretation of the Bible.
A TikTok page that cleverly utilizes Popular phrases among Gen Z Viral videos, and even positive reaction videos, are capturing the attention of people around the world in order to make age-old texts more accessible to young people.
For example, when explaining the Annunciation, an important event widely recognized by Christians as announcing Mary’s conception and birth of God’s Son, Most Viewed TikTok Videos with Gen Z Bible Stories describes it this way, “Mary was a girl God had chosen for me, and as she was ‘thinking’ for God in prayer, the angel Gabriel appeared to her and said, Said, “You passed God’s vibe check, and God wants you to be that person.” The main character’s mother, Top G’s son.”
The video has received 4.4 million views and more than 500,000 likes, with many commenters referring to Luke 1:26-38 as “She [Mary] “I promised him that my body count would always be zero, so why is this happening?” he said. He said, “This is not about handcuff season, because the Holy Spirit will live in you rent-free.” So she said, “Bet,” and Gabrielle had her read her book. And she let the Holy Spirit cook. ”
TIKTOK Bible Story Makeover Sparks Intergenerational Debate: “You Passed God’s Vibe Check”
One comment read: “This is the reason I’m going back to church.”
And there are many others like it.
Father Mike Schmitz acknowledged how helpful social media is for many people in an interview with Fox News Digital. He also acknowledged that while social media can be destructive, it also has the potential to send a message of unity. ”[For someone] Being able to hear that I’m not alone… there’s something about having the opportunity to hear from people who may be like you, but who may also be very, very different from you. Yes, but they still say this. I think this is also true. ”
“You don’t want to use an echo chamber, but at the same time it’s good to know that you’re not the only one,” the priest said about social media.
His “Bible in a Year” podcast has topped the Apple Podcasts charts since its debut in 2021, and his own social media presence knows no bounds. And with millions of views and thousands of people sharing and re-sharing his words on all kinds of social media platforms, the spread of the priest’s influence seems limitless. I can see it.
The popular podcast host even commented on the video on pages like “Bible Stories for Gen Z” calling it “funny.”
“I’ve come across this many times and every time I’ve shared it I’ve laughed,” he said. “There’s something about being funny. I mean, we’ve always had translations of the Bible. Some translations have always been accurate, some translations have been inaccurate. Gen Z’s acceptance of Bible translations. Rather than saying, “This is an interesting retelling of a Bible story,” take the story seriously in the sense that you hear it as the sole authority of the Bible. And I think that’s great. ”
“I don’t think it’s blasphemous in its heart or in its actions, because it’s not about knowing what you’re doing, not trying to make yourself successful.” ”, he added.
Catholic Priest Who Turned From Drugs to God Uses Tiktok to Share Important Messages with Growing Followers
Father Mike Schmitz also spoke to Fox News Digital about Lent, including his own Lenten sacrifices:
“Historically, Lent is a season of purification and enlightenment. This is a technical term: it is for those who are preparing to be baptized, preparing to be received into the Church. And so we set out on that journey…to purification, to enlightenment. [It’s asking] God, what do I need to change in my heart and life? Also, where do we need to be enlightened? Where should I approach? ” he began to explain.
“And prayer, fasting, almsgiving, that’s what it’s all about. It’s all about, ‘Okay, God, what is it in my life that is keeping me away from You? What do I need to change?’ How can I grow in my relationship with you?’” “How can I get that enlightenment and get to know you better?” said the priest.
Furthermore, he says that the sacrifices of Lent ultimately help us minimize or eliminate daily distractions in order to give ourselves time and space to draw closer to God. I explained that it was supposed to.
And for Father Mike Schmitz, social media seems to be the main distraction this Lent.
“During Lent, many times we try to choose what we need to remove from our lives that is a hindrance. For example, the distraction of social media on our phones… that becomes a hindrance. “If I am, I want to get rid of it.” “If I know that it will help me grow closer to the Lord, then I want to do it.” So I see it as not something external, but something essential that comes from within.” ”
Father Mike Schmitz talks about the decline of faith in America
But it’s not just about dedicating more time to God. According to the priest, it is the same as offering a part of oneself to God.
“Maybe I’m doing it because I feel like I need it, but I’m also trying to say with this action, ‘I wants you to see this God, and we believe this is something that actually matters to you.’ It’s a great act of faith.”
He went on to explain that the elusive “mystery of faith” is perhaps found in the realization that God cares equally and completely about our every nuance.
“That’s why it takes faith to say, ‘This little little stupid thing I’m doing. I hope God sees it and I believe it’s important to Him.’ It’s an act of love.” And in the end, there’s also love. Because it’s like I’m just doing this because I’m asked to. During Lent, I have been praying, fasting, and giving alms. Because I was asked to do so.It’s an act of love, so you have all three. [faith, hope, and love] There. And if it’s like self-improvement, I hope we improve – that’s great – but I also think it could be more than that. And I don’t think it’s one or the other. I think it’s both. ”
Her father, Mike Schmitz, teamed up with actors Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roomy. “Please pray 40 times.” A daily Lenten challenge that engages all Hallow app users. His inspiring sermons will be published every Sunday during Lent.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
